CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Above and Beyond Award was presented to Miovision by Minnesota State Chair Chad Sackett April 26 at the Annual ESGR Planning Awards Meeting at Camp Ripley in recognition of this employer's outstanding support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves.
Receiving the award on behalf of Miovision was Kyle Holgate, Miovision's Technical Services Manager. Also assisting at the award ceremony was Lt. Col. Steve Hall, Deputy Commander Camp Ripley Military Facility.
This award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. This award will be given to only 30 businesses this year, from hundreds of Patriot Award nominations received in Minnesota, that have honored their employees’ service in the United States military by providing assistance or benefits that go beyond the minimum required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).
Garlin Wynn, a spouse to a Minnesota National Guard’s citizen Soldier, Staff Sgt. Tonisha Wynn nominated his employer Miovision. Garlin and Wynn were unable to attend as they are residing in Huntsville, Texas.
Garlin had this to say about his employer, “My supervisor goes over and beyond to accommodate me when it comes to my wife’s military career. My wife and I have a son and while she is deployed, I have demanding schedule that can make it difficult for me to make arrangements for my son in school and his activities. Kyle Holgate supports my wife's career, and he understands what a military lifestyle is like for the service member and the spouse and family.”
Garlin went on to say, “He continues supporting my wife and I by arranging my work schedule without me even needing to ask when it comes to our family. He makes working for the company that much better for me and my wife. He checks on me and my family and always wants to know how my wife is doing in the service. My wife is leaving for deployment soon for a year and he asked me how he can help and make my life easier when it comes to being here for my son while my wife will be away. Not many companies even care about their employees this way and I thank GOD for Kyle’s understanding and support with my military family. His support is deeply appreciated, and I could not be more blessed to be working alongside him with this company. Kyle definitely deserves this award.” ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates over 51 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil. Photo left to right: Lt. Col. Steve Hall, Kyle Holgate, and Chad Sackett ESGR. (Photo courtesy of Larry Helsene ESGR)